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Honoring Ethical Leadership

The John Winthrop Wright
Ethics In Action Award

About the Award

The John Winthrop Wright “Ethics in Action” Award is named after John Winthrop Wright who founded The School for Ethical Education (SEE) in 1995. The Award was established to annually recognize an individual who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to ethical leadership by modeling and emphasizing core ethical values as essential to the mission and success of a company or organization. These core ethical values include: fairness, respect, responsibility, caring, justice, honesty, courtesy, citizenship, and the principles of the Golden Rule.

Dr. Jim Loehr is a world-renowned performance psychologist who believes the single most important factor in high achievement, personal fulfilment and life satisfaction is the strength of one’s character. Dr. Loehr is the retired chairman, CEO, and co-founder of the Human Performance Institute (HPI), prior to its acquisition by Johnson & Johnson. The Institute is widely known as the  pioneer in training programs that apply the science of energy management to improve productivity and ensure high performance. 

Dr. Loehr strongly contends that character strength can be built in the same way that muscle strength is built through energy investment. He is the author or co-author of many books, including Leading with CharacterThe Power of Full EngagementThe Power of Story, The Only Way To Win, and Wise Decisions. He also co-wrote The Personal Credo Journal, a companion to Leading with Character.

He has coached hundreds of world-class athletes as well as FBI Hostage Rescue Teams and military Special Forces. Dr. Loehr has also worked with many Fortune 500 companies, including Procter & Gamble, The Estée Lauder Companies, GlaxoSmithKline, PepsiCo, and Citigroup Smith Barney. 

Past Recipients

Jim Clark

Jim Clark, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, has been recognized for his dedication to advancing character development among youth. Under his leadership, the organization has emphasized programs that foster good character, impacting millions of young lives across the nation.

Dan Houston

Dan Houston, Chairman, President, and CEO of Principal Financial Group, is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity. He encourages his employees to uphold the company’s Global Code of Conduct, fostering a culture of honesty and responsibility.

Cindi Bigelow

Cindi Bigelow, President and CEO of Bigelow Tea, has been honored for her leadership in expanding and transforming the tea industry while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical practices and sustainability. Her efforts have positioned Bigelow Tea as a leader in the market.

About John Winthrop Wright

John Winthrop Wright, the visionary founder of The School for Ethical Education (SEE), was Chairman and CEO of Wright Investors’ Service, an international investment management firm in Shelton, Connecticut. Before his passing in 1996, Wright established SEE to foster character in children. His motto, “ethics in action creates character,” embodies his strong belief that respect, responsibility, honesty, and the ‘Golden Rule’ are needed for a flourishing society.